The Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers of 2024

The JEGS hard shell rooftop cargo carrier is an 18 cubic foot carrier rated for 110 pounds of cargo. The hard plastic exterior maximizes weather protection, with an aerodynamic design to optimize your vehicle's fuel economy. Assembly is straightforward, with no tools required. This system does require your vehicle to have roof racks rated for at least 150 lbs, which are not included.

The JEGS cargo carrier opens and closes from either side, giving you maximum flexibility and easy access to your belongings. And with a secure locking system, you can trust that your belongings will be safe, even if you have to leave them unattended on the roof.

If size flexibility is important to you, then consider the RoofPax expandable rooftop cargo bag. This heavy-duty car top carrier starts out with a 15-cubic-foot storage capacity but can expand up to 19 cubic feet for added storage. If you don't need the extra space, simply zip the bag back down to standard size. The bag is made from super durable 1680-D PVC fabric, which is 100% weatherproof. The double zippers and flaps work together to ensure that no moisture seeps inside.

Installation is easy, in just a few minutes. The RoofPax bag can be installed on any car or SUV, with or without roof racks. The included no-slip mat protects your roof and ensures that the bag doesn't slide around, while the secure safety door hooks keep the bag and your belongings strapped down to the roof. The kit also includes a TSA-rated combination locking mechanism and a convenient carrying bag to transport and store the cargo bag.

The SportRack Vista XL is a hard-shell cargo roof box. The benefit of a hardshell case is the superior protection and weatherproofing for the contents inside. The plastic shell is much less likely to leak than a canvas bag. With 18 cubic feet of storage area, the SportRack can hold a bit more than many mid-sized sedan trunks. And the rear-opening hinges give easy access to your belongings from the back of the vehicle, without having to potentially stand on the traffic side of your vehicle.

This system also locks, giving you peace of mind if you have to leave your things on the roof overnight. This system does require roof racks, which are not included. In addition, because it's a hard shell, there's no adjusting the canvas to make things fit. Your belongings either fit inside or they don't. The large case is also much harder to store when not in use than a bag version, so make sure that you know where you'll keep it when it's not in your car.

If you're not worried about your belongings being exposed to the wind or weather, then the XCAR roof rack carrier basket is a quality option for your rooftop storage needs. The metal frame, which does require some assembly, is rated for up to a 150-pound weight limit. It sits directly on your vehicle's roof racks, which are required. The basket has a wind-resistant shield in the front to improve aerodynamics and give your belongings some protection.

This bundle includes a bungee cargo net to help secure your belongings in the basket, though other bundles include straps or a cargo bag, if you would prefer. The real benefit of this basket system is the flexibility of simply not having a top. This is perfect for awkwardly shaped or tall belongings that might not fit in fully contained carriers.

The Fivklemnz car roof bag car carrier is a 15 cubic foot soft case that's flexible enough to accommodate your storage needs on any vehicle. Unlike some systems, this bag doesn't require a roof rack. It can be strapped to a roof rack, side rails, or to the doors themselves with the included door hooks in just a few minutes, without the need for any heavy lifting. An anti-slip mat sits under the bag, holding your belongings in place even at high speeds, and protecting your vehicle's roof from scratches or dents.

The bag is completely waterproof, with sealed zippers, velcro flaps, and double-stitched seams. And 15 cubic feet is quite a bit of storage, comparable to the trunk of a mid-sized sedan like a Toyota Camry. And when you're done using it, simply take it down, fold it up, and tuck it away in a closet somewhere.